MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS

Throughout the Eastern Sierra, you will find pockets of warm spring waters bubbling to the surface. One of the more famous locations is at the Hot Creek Geological Site near Mammoth Lakes. The Mammoth area is home to a large amount of geothermal activity and Hot Creek is actually a cold creek that is warmed as it flows through some miniature geysers.

Hot Creek Geological Site

Boiling hot springs, fumaroles and geysers are found here. Some of these pump hot water into the water flowing down from Mammoth Creek warming the water into what is called Hot Creek. Swimming is officially not advised but the many soakers will tell you, "come on in, the waters fine", and it is. What makes Hot Creek so spectacular is the view, and the way the water mixes. Melted snow falls into cracks which is heated by the earth. It bubbles up boiling hot in the ponds and mixes with other just melted snow making the temperature very appealing. Caution, however, the temps are always changing so check the water before lunging in and do follow the many signs that are posted along the route down to the ponds.

Located, three miles south of Mammoth Junction on US 395 and three miles east of the airport (the last 1.5 miles is unpaved). You take the Airport Road and drive past the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery. Hot Creek is a phenomenon of live hot springs and fumaroles (gas vents) that heat a cold mountain stream. Parking lot and restrooms. Open sunrise to sunset; no charge. People soak here, however the water has been exceptionally hot due to the drought year and the springs have been temporarily closed. If you do swim when they are open, do not swallow the water as it contains sulfur and arsenic. For more information, call the US Forest Service at 760-924-5500.

Tecopa Hot Springs

A trip to the Southeast section of Inyo County is a delightful experience. For those who have not had the pleasures of a mineral hot spring & bath, a visit to Tecopa Park is a must. The park features a campground with modern restroom facilities, showers, and bathhouses'. Men and women's bathhouses are available along with a private invalid pool. These baths are free to park users and the general public. The baths are open seven days a week throughout the year. The average temperature of the baths is 108 F. Tecopa Hot Springs Park is located via State Highway 127, 5 miles South of Shoshone, turn Southeast on the County Road, then 3 miles South to the Park. Phone: (760) 852-4264

Buckeye Hot Springs

This is a small hot spring located in the Toiyabe National Forest. It is a clothing optional hot spring and has a hot outdoor pool. There is no fee and so volunteers maintain the rock dam that creates a lovely pool under a hot waterfall. Sounds seasonal. From the Buckeye Campground, walk down the the trailhead, downstream from the campground. You find a mix as the hot waterfall mixes with cold river water. Find an area to your liking. No phone, so get a map before venturing out.

Travertine Hot Springs

Another smaller hot spring with several outdoor natural pools. This is a fairly primative, and therefore remote clothing optional spring which can be accessed year round. Recommended is a four wheel drive to get out there, especially in wet weather. As this is near Bodie, perhaps it would make a nice stop after visiting the ghost town.

Travertine is located 2 miles south of Bridgeport. From Bridgeport take Highway 395 south about 1/2 mile. Turn left at Jack Sawyer Rd (a few hundred miles before the ranger station) Go .3 miles to where road begins to bend right, turn left on dirt road here and go 1.2 miles and take right fork over rough spots and approach the top of hill (you'll see colorful travertine). Pass the cement pool, and follow the ridge down to other pools, but don't drive next to lower pool or you might get stuck in the mud. The temperature ranges from 90F - 110F, so use caution.